University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
25-9-1, 19-8-1
Minnesota Duluth
19-13-2, 14-12-2
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Clark Shines in Senior Day Shutout of Bulldogs
2/22/2025 6:52:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - The fourth-ranked Golden Gopher women's hockey team closed out the 2024-25 regular season by cementing their sweep over the No. 6 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, winning in 1-0 contest at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers finish 4-0-0 against the Bulldogs in regular season play.
Minnesota will enter the WCHA Quarterfinals as the third seed, wrapping the regular season with a 25-9-1 (19-8-1 WCHA) record. The 'U' have now won at least 25 games in six consecutive full seasons (not including the abridged 2020-21 season).
Freshman goaltender Hannah Clark stopped all 22 Bulldog shots en route to her second-career shutout. On Friday, the Oshawa, Ontario native became the first Gopher goaltender to reach the 20-win mark as a freshman. Clark now sits at a 21-7-1 record in net.
Minnesota tallied a 32-13 shot advantage through the first two periods, however the Gophers were unable to find the back of the net. The Bulldogs were also unable to get on the board through the first 40 minutes of the game. Additionally, both Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth came up empty-handed through nine combined power play opportunities (five for the Gophers, four for the Bulldogs) heading into the third period.
The lamp was finally lit midway through the third period, when redshirt senior-forward Abbey Murphy was credited with her 25th goal of the season, assisted by Ella Huber.
It was the Gophers' most unconventional score of the season.
Murphy's shot deflected off the back glass and back towards the Minnesota Duluth net before being gloved by goaltender Eve Gascon. However, Gascon's glove then crossed over the line, inadvertently resulting in a Minnesota score and subsequent victory.
Quotable:
"What a game," said head coach Brad Frost. "I thought we really played well, controlling play there, and really denying a lot of [Minnesota Duluth's] opportunities. Their goaltender was tremendous. Our goalie was great. We play the right way, get a bounce there at the end, and come away with a win. A huge sweep of a really good team going into the playoffs, and we're really excited about that."
Coach Frost on Hannah Clark:
"Hannah's been great; yesterday, after that game, she became the first Gopher freshman goaltender to win 20 games, and now to get her 21st, and hopefully a few more. She was solid all night. Controlled rebounds, was in great position, and was playing really, really well at a good time."
Notable:
- Hannah Clark recorded her second-career shutout. She recorded her first on Dec. 6 against St. Thomas.
- The Gophers have recorded three shutouts this season.
- Abbey Murphy recorded her 25th goal of the season and 95th goal of her career. She has tallied the ninth-most career goals in program history.
- Ella Huber recorded her 40th point of the season, marking back-to-back seasons during which she tallied at least 40 points.
- Minnesota out-shot Minnesota Duluth 49-22.
Up Next:
The Maroon & Gold will host the Minnesota State Mavericks at Ridder Arena in the first round of the WCHA Postseason. The best-of-three series is set for Friday, Feb. 28 at 6:00 p.m. CT, Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. CT, and (if necessary) Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. CT.